Program Manager, MC2

Job Description

Job Description

Program Manager, MC2

Based in Washington, DC

The AFL-CIO Working for America Institute (WAI) is a non-profit, 501(c) (3) national workforce development organization for the labor movement. WAI assists unions, employers, labor-management partnerships, the workforce system, and community organizations by providing technical assistance, education, leadership development and policy analysis. WAI implements employment, apprenticeship, and training-related services that help to create, expand, and retain high quality jobs.

WAI is seeking to hire a Program Manager who will work with the executive director and deputy director to implement and manage the deployment, national growth, and ongoing updating and improvement of the MC2 (Manufacturing Core Curriculum), a high quality pre-hire/pre-apprenticeship training curriculum to prepare workers for careers and apprenticeships in the manufacturing sector. The Program Manager will also work with local partners to implement associated training programs that utilize the MC2 curriculum. The Program Manager will lead program strategy and implementation, including achieving initial deployment/ utilization of MC2 and national expansion, developing workplans, ensuring the project meets workplan, performance, and other objectives and supporting fundraising efforts.

The position is based in Washington, D.C. and reports to the Deputy Director. Our hybrid schedule allows up to two days per week of remote work.

Description
Project Leadership and Strategy

• Lead the strategy and implementation of the project, which is a new universal pre- apprenticeship/career and technical education curriculum to prepare workers for manufacturing entry-level jobs and is at the early stage of implementation.
• Manage and oversee local deployment of associated high-quality training utilizing the MC2
• Ensure that funds are used in accordance with the terms and conditions of grants

Project Implementation

• Work with the Deputy Director and project partners to develop and implement project strategies, goals, and objectives, including identifying promising local partners to utilize MC2, supporting development of their MC2 programs through technical assistance
• Oversee licensing of the MC2 curriculum and revenue generation.
• Develop and oversee short, medium, and long-term workplans for several phases of work –  including adoption, implementation, scaling, and maintenance– to ensure that activities, outcomes, and deliverables are achieved and meet required timelines.
• Develop promising practices to deliver strong project outcomes and gather models of best practices for replication and expansion.
• Lead updates to and maintenance of the curriculum.

Partner management

• In collaboration with the executive director and deputy director, establish and maintain strategic partnerships and relationships with senior-level representatives of unions, employers, training providers, government officials, philanthropy organizations, and others.
• Coordinate and lead meetings and communications with partners

Communications and administrative oversight

• In conjunction with the Executive Director and Deputy Director, hire and manage a team of project support staff, consultants, and contractors
• Identify opportunities to communicate project successes.
• Support project communications strategies and contribute to external communications, including outreach materials, website content, and materials and information for funders, the Board of Directors, and key stakeholders.
• Develop and track project budgets and expenditures and assist the Deputy Director in reviewing and managing the budgets.
• Oversee organization and maintenance of project files.

Fundraising and supporting WAI growth and operations

• Identify opportunities to leverage resources to meet project objectives.
• Support and, upon request, lead on fundraising for MC2 programming, including maintaining or building funder relationships, writing persuasive project narratives to support funding requests, grant applications,and project budgets, and identifying new funding opportunities.
• Assist WAI staff in establishing annual planning and budgeting priorities to advance WAI’s goals.
• Participate in WAI meetings and prepare written and oral reports as required.
• Work with the Director of Finance and Operations to prepare and submit financial, budget and project reports required by funders.
• Contribute to development opportunities, grant applications, and funding proposals.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Five or more years of project management experience, preferably in a labor-related organization.
• Knowledge of or experience in workforce development and/or curriculum development preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in the manufacturing sector strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working with union training programs; labor-management workforce intermediaries; and/or collectively bargained training programs strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the structure and operations of the AFL-CIO, state and local labor federations, and international/national unions preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently within the context of a plan, to foster strong lateral partnerships as part of a larger team, and to work in both a lead and a support role, aligning with supervisory guidance and the chain of command
• Computer proficiency is required: database, spreadsheet, e-mail, internet and word processing skills, including Google Suite.
• Effective time management skills, including prioritizing and managing multiple tasks, project planning and implementation, and demonstrated experience in developing personal work plans and goals.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through on assignments
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to travel and stay overnight for conferences, meetings and work-related events.

Salary range: $110,000-$125,000

WAI offers a comprehensive benefits package, including employer-paid health, dental, and vision coverage, generous leave and paid time off, a retirement/pension plan and 401(k) match, and a hybrid work schedule with up to two days per week remote.

The AFL-CIO Working for America Institute is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, physical ability, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. We welcome a diverse pool of applications, believe it is critical that our staff represent the larger labor movement, and are committed to building a culture and community that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion.

To Apply:
Please submit the following items online at

• A cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the role
• Your resume/CV

Should you have any questions about the role or need reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please feel free to contact View email address on ziprecruiter.com.